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Smithsonian - Dominique Dawes wins consistently, on and off the gym floor. Flawless execution earned her 15 national gymnastics championships in nine years and a spot on the 1988 U.S. national gymnastics team—the first African American ever on the squad.
Dawes carried her winning ways onto the international circuit. A three-time Olympian, Dawes was a member of the bronze medal-winning team in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, "Awesome Dawesome" and her fellow "Magnificent Seven" gymnasts swept the competition, bringing home the first gold medal for a U.S. gymnastics team. Dawes won an individual bronze medal in the floor exercises—the first African American to earn an individual Olympic medal in women's gymnastics.
After her participation in the 2000 Olympics, Dawes branched out, exploring multiple professional and philanthropic roles. She became a gymnastics TV commentator and an advocate for young women in sports.
Age:
29
Current Career:
Public Speaking, Spokesperson, & Coaching
First Job:
Olympic Athlete
Education:
Graduate - University of Maryland/College Park
Grew up:
Silver Spring, Maryland
Favorite movie:
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Favorite musician:
Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey
Favorite book:
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
What is your role as President of the Women’s Sports Foundation and advocate for young women in sports?
WSF’s mission is the advance the lives of young girls and women through sports participation and physical fitness. As President, I speak out on issues of equality for young girls in sports; promote the GoGirlGo campaign through multiple media channels, and work to educate the public on what the WSF is all about.
How did athletics prepare you for your career?
Gymnastics taught me how to become a goal-oriented person. Everyday there was a goal to achieve and that is true for what I do today. Each day there is a challenge to overcome or a step to take to move closer to my long-term goals.
What is your biggest challenge?
Focusing on one thing at a time; I have so many goals and it’s hard to just do one thing at a time.
What’s the biggest career risk you’ve taken?
Hmm?
What’s the first word that comes to mind to the following?
Share - My sister who is my best friend.
Educate - The youth…our leaders of tomorrow.
Empower - Self…I am a strong advocate of doing for oneself and not always relying on others to make things happen. In my eyes, God empowers all.
You were inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame class of 2005. You won an individual bronze medal in the floor exercises—the first African American to earn an individual Olympic medal in women's gymnastics. How has the sport of gymnastics changed your life and what do you say to young African American girls wanting to be a gymnast?
I don’t remember life without gymnastics. I started when I was 6 years old and the sport shaped me into the person that I am today. From my nearly 18 year career in the sport, I have learned that when one has a passion for what they are pursuing they can conquer all.
You never know what you can do and enjoy in this world until you try. I tell that to all young girls and boys that have an interest in a sport or activity that they have not embarked on before.
What advise would you give women wanting a career in sports?
A mentor in the industry would be a big help. It’s always good to get advice and guidance from someone that is doing what you aspire to do.
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